CHAPTER ONE

Operating System (OS) Overview

1. Introduction to Operating Systems
 A computer needs software to function
properly.
The Operating System (OS) is the most
important software.
It controls the hardware and allows users to
interact with the computer.
An OS acts as an interface between the user and
computer hardware.
Without an OS, a computer is just hardware with
no usability.
 An operating system is system software that manages
computer hardware, software resources, and provides
 Functions Of Operating System & Services
An operating system acts as a link between the user and the
computer's hardware and software. Its main functions include
providing a user interface and managing essential components
such as files, memory, storage, processor, and connected devices.
An operating system (OS) is the core software that connects users
with computer hardware. It controls how hardware and software
resources are used, making the computer run smoothly and
allowing user interaction.
You may have used different operating systems, but do you know
what they actually do?
In this guide, we will explain the key functions of an OS in simple
terms so you can understand its role in modern computers. By the
end, you'll have a clear idea of what an OS does and why it's
important.
What Is An Operating System?

 The operating system (OS) is like a helper that allows people to use a
computer. Without an OS, the computer would not work properly for the
user.
It shows pictures and buttons on the screen (GUI) so that people can easily
open programs and do different tasks.
 Simply put, the OS is a special software that helps the computer’s parts
(hardware) and programs (software) work together.
It controls everything on the computer to make sure it runs smoothly and is
An operating system (OS) helps the computer do important jobs
like saving files, running programs, and making sure all parts of
the computer work together.
We will talk about what an OS does in detail later, but first, let’s
look at its main parts:

Kernel: The main part of the OS that controls how the computer’s
hardware and software work together.
User Interface: The screen where users can interact with the
computer, using either buttons and icons (GUI) or typing
commands (CLI).
File System: Organizes and stores files so they can be easily
found and used.
Device Drivers: Special programs that help the OS talk to
hardware like printers, keyboards, and screens.
System Utilities: Tools that help keep the computer running
What Is The Importance Of Operating Systems?
Operating systems are very important for computers. They help computers work properly in
many ways:

• Resource Management: The OS controls and shares computer parts like memory and
processing power.
• User Interface: It gives users a screen with buttons and icons to work on the computer.
• File Management: It helps save, open, and manage files.
• Security: It protects the computer from hackers and viruses.
• Multitasking: It allows users to open and use different programs at the same time.
• Helping Hardware and Software Work Together(Hardware Abstraction): It makes
sure programs can use computer parts easily.
• Fixing Problems(Error Detection and Handling): It finds and solves errors to keep the
computer running well.
• Connecting to the Internet(Network Management): It helps computers connect to Wi-Fi
Types Of Operating System
Operating systems come in various types, each designed to meet specific needs and requirements. Below are
the different types of operating systems with brief descriptions:
Batch Operating System: Processes batches of jobs sequentially without user interaction.
Distributed Operating System: Manages a group of independent computers as a
single system, sharing resources.
Time-Shared Operating System: It allows simultaneous user access
while sharing system resources.
Real-Time Operating System (RTOS): Processes data in real-time for
immediate response, essential in embedded systems.
Network Operating System (NOS): Enables communication and resource
sharing over a network.
Single-User Multitasking Operating System: Supports one user running multiple
tasks simultaneously, typically on personal computers (e.g., Windows, mac-OS).
Multi-User Multitasking Operating System: Supports multiple users running
multiple tasks simultaneously, managing user sessions and resources (e.g., UNIX,
Linux).
Functions of an Operating System (OS)
An Operating System (OS) is the most important software in a
computer. It acts as a bridge between the user and the computer
hardware, helping everything work smoothly. Let’s explore its key
functions in detail.

1. Managing Computer Resources (Resource Management)

A computer has many parts like CPU (processor), memory (RAM),
hard disk, and input/output devices (keyboard, mouse, printer,
etc.).
The OS makes sure that these parts work together without
problems.
It allocates resources when the program needs them and releases
them when they are not.
Example: If you open a video player and a web browser, the OS
ensures both get enough memory and processing power to run
2. Providing a Screen and Controls (User Interface –
UI)
• The User Interface (UI) allows people to interact with the
computer easily.

• There are two types of UI:

• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Uses icons, windows,
buttons, and a mouse (Example: Windows, mac-OS).
• Command-Line Interface (CLI): Uses text commands to
operate the system (Example: Linux Terminal, MS-DOS).
• The OS makes sure the interface is responsive, smooth, and
3. Managing Files and Folders (File System Management)
• The OS is responsible for storing, organizing, and retrieving
files.
• It helps users:
• Create, open, save, rename, move, and delete files.
• Organize files into folders to keep things neat.
• Find files quickly using a search function.
• Every OS has a file system that determines how data is stored, like:
• NTFS (Windows)
• ext4 (Linux)
• HFS+ (mac-OS)
File Systems in Operating Systems (OS)
A file system is a way that an operating system organizes, stores, and
retrieves data (files). Every OS has its own file system, which defines how files
are stored on disks or other storage devices like hard drives, USB drives, and
memory cards.
What is a File System?
A file system is like a library system for your computer. It organizes and
manages files (like books) on a storage device (like a hard drive or USB). It
helps the computer find, save, and protect data.
Common File Systems:
NTFS (Windows)
Used by: Windows computers.
Features: Handles large files, keeps data safe, and supports permissions
and encryption.
Limits: Not fully supported on mac-OS or Linux.
ext4 (Linux)
Used by: Linux computers.
Features: Works well for large files and drives, keeps data safe after
3. HFS+ (mac-OS - older)
1.Used by: Older mac-OS systems.
2.Features: Good for Apple devices, keeps data safe.
3.Limits: Replaced by APFS in newer mac-OS.
4. FAT32 (USB drives, memory cards)
4.Used by: USB drives, memory cards, and older devices.
5.Features: Works on almost all devices (Windows, mac-OS, Linux, gaming consoles).
6.Limits: Cannot handle files larger than 4 GB or drives bigger than 8 TB.
5. APFS (mac-OS - newer)
7.Used by: Newer mac-OS and iOS devices.
8.Features: Fast, works well with SSDs, supports encryption and snapshots.
9.Limits: Mainly for Apple devices.
Short Forms:
 NTFS: New Technology File System
 ext4: Fourth Extended File System
 HFS+: Hierarchical File System Plus
 FAT32: File Allocation Table 32
 APFS: Apple File System
4. Protecting the Computer (Security Management)
• The OS protects data and programs from unauthorized
access and viruses.
• It allows:
• User authentication (logins, passwords, fingerprints,
face recognition).
• File permissions (decide who can read, edit, or delete
a file).
• Firewalls and antivirus protection to stop viruses and
hackers.
5. Running Multiple Programs at the Same Time
(Multitasking Management)
• A modern OS allows multiple programs to run at the same
time.
• Example: You can listen to music, browse the internet, and type
a document at the same time.
• The OS allocates resources to each program and ensures they
do not crash.
• It also supports background processes like downloading files
while you work.
6. Connecting Hardware and Software (Device
Management & Drivers)
• The OS acts as a middleman between the hardware (computer
parts) and software (programs).
• It uses device drivers, which are special programs that help
the OS talk to hardware.
• Example: When you plug in a USB drive or printer, the OS
detects it and installs a driver so it can work properly.
• Without an OS, hardware and software wouldn’t
communicate properly.
7. Detecting and Fixing Errors (Error Handling & Crash
Recovery)
• Computers sometimes face problems like software crashes, memory
errors, or hardware failures.
• The OS constantly checks for issues and tries to fix them.
• Example: If an application stops working, the OS can close it and display
an error message.
• Some OS, like Windows, have built-in system recovery tools to repair
damaged files or restore settings.
8. Connecting to the Internet and Networks
(Network Management)
• The OS manages internet and network connections like Wi-
Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet.
• It allows multiple computers to share files and printers over a
network.
• The OS assigns IP addresses and uses firewalls to secure
internet connections.
• Example: Windows and mac-OS have built-in Wi-Fi settings
and network troubleshooting tools.
9. Running Software (Application Management)
• The OS ensures that applications start, run, and close
properly.
• It allows users to install, update, and remove software.
• Some OS come with a built-in app store (like Google Play Store
for Android or App Store for iOS) for easy downloading of
applications.
• Example: When you double-click a program icon, the OS
allocates memory and CPU power to run it.
10. Keeping the Computer Fast (System Performance
Management)
The OS monitors system performance to keep everything running
smoothly.
✅ Manages CPU usage – Stops one program from using too much power.
✅ Cleans up RAM – Removes temporary data to free up memory.
✅ Speeds up file access – Uses caching and indexing to find files faster.
📌 Example: If too many apps slow down the computer, the OS may suggest
closing unused apps to free up memory.
Summery
An Operating System (OS) is the heart of a computer. It helps users
communicate with the machine, store files, run apps, protect data,
and manage resources. Learning about OS functions helps in IT,
 Questions
1. What is the main function of an operating system?
a) Playing videos b) Managing hardware and software resources c) Creating documents d) Designing websites
2. Which of the following is an example of an operating system?
a) Microsoft Word b) Google Chrome c) Windows 10 d) Adobe Photoshop
3. What type of operating system allows multiple users to work on the same computer at the same time?
a) Single-user multitasking OS b) Multi-user multitasking OS c) Batch processing OS d) Real-time OS
4. Which component of the OS acts as a bridge between hardware and software?
a) Kernel b) File system c) Antivirus d) Web browser
5. Which of these is NOT a function of an operating system?
a) File management b) Network security c) Running applications d) Editing photos
 Scenarios: No or Yes and if no or yes why?
1. Scenario: A user tries to install a Windows application on a Linux operating system without
any additional software.
Answer:
2. Scenario: A computer is running slow because multiple applications are open at the same time.
Can the operating system help manage this issue?
Answer:
3. Scenario: A user deletes an important system file from their OS. Will the computer continue to
work normally?
Answer: